Our Acorn Fund has been set up as a powerful new way to make a difference to the lives of people around Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. Our first grant giving round of £20,000 has been made possible through the contributions from our Shropshire IIC members. This year our IIC members selected loneliness and isolation as our Acorn Fund theme for 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding, organisations must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a voluntary or community organisation, registered charity, social enterprise, or Community Interest Company (CIC).
• Organisations must have a proven track record of supporting people who are isolated or suffering from loneliness

Beneficiaries:

• Projects must primarily benefit people aged 14 years and over who are experiencing social isolation and/or loneliness.
• Priority will be given to initiatives that engage with marginalised or underserved groups, including people from low-income backgrounds, rural communities, ethnic minorities, or those facing additional barriers.

Projects should aim to improve social integration and reduce loneliness through one or more of the following:

• Establish or enhance community hubs and safe social spaces where people can gather, engage in activities, and build friendships in an inclusive environment.
• Develop peer-led networks and mentorship programs that encourage people to support one another and connect with mentors from the community.
• Improve access to social opportunities this could be by funding transportation or expanding digital connectivity for young people in remote areas.
• Offer workshops in arts, music, outdoor activities, technology, and other interest-based groups where young people can meet and work toward common goals. Physical activity initiatives designed to enhance social integration
• Combat isolation by fostering skill-building and skills-based classes.

Governance

• Organisations must have appropriate safeguarding policies in place.
• A bank account in the organisation’s name is required with two signatories
• Organisations must provide financial records and annual reports to demonstrate their capacity to manage the funds responsibly.

Application Process

Application Form: Interested organisations must complete the Acorn Fund grant application form, detailing:

• The project plan (including timeline and milestones)
• Target beneficiaries and how they will be engaged.
• The expected impact of the project on people’s loneliness and isolation.
• Budget breakdown of how the requested funding will be spent.

Submission Deadline:

• All applications must be submitted by the deadline date

Assessment Criteria:

• Applications will be assessed based on:
• Relevance to the needs of people aged 14+ across Shropshire.
• Innovation and sustainability of the project.
• Reach and impact of the initiative.
• Value for money and feasibility of the project within the funding period.

Successful applicants will be required to:

• Submit a progress report after six months of project delivery.
• Provide a final report at the end of the funding period, detailing project outcomes, participant feedback, and the impact on beneficiaries’ mental health.

This grant scheme provides a significant opportunity to support people across Shropshire who are isolated or lonely. We encourage organisations with relevant expertise to apply and contribute to improving the well-being and integration of people in the community.

If you have any questions regarding this grant please do not hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.